Spirituality surfaces throughout the book, as Sarge and Bernie meet an array of colorful characters who push them to reflect on the greater meaning of life. Quotes by Buddha, musings on the Bhagavad Gita, and Zen Buddhism are interspersed among all the action, making the high-speed, cross-country escape somewhat of a catalyst for pondering the non-attachment and rootlessness that comes with being on the road. In one particularly moving scene, as Sarge and Bernie open up to a man called The Professor, Sarge reflects that “everyone here has something that they are walking away from or maybe just left behind,” prompting readers to contemplate just what Sarge and Bernie may be running from—or towards.
Fratello leaves the minutiae of Sarge’s predicament rather hazy, allowing space for the duo—and readers—to sink into their journey as they cultivate a deep friendship and personal transformation along the way. Each chapter is punctuated with quirky characters attempting some version of that journey in their own lives, a strength of the novel that, though not as flashy as its drug cartel regimes and Russian threats, carries serious weight, making this entertaining read surprisingly discerning.
Takeaway: A lively escape turns into a reflection on life in this discerning thriller.
Comparable Titles: Ian Fleming’s Diamonds are Forever, Eric Ambler’s Epitaph for a Spy.
Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A-
